As far as the exterior goes, things are pretty much the same as the Euro-spec Tucson with the exception of the repositioned LED daytime running lights (DRL). While the European model houses the DRLs below the fog lights in a separate assembly, the American version incorporates the DRLs into the fog light housings.

To recap, the third-gen Hyundai Tucson sports a bold hexagonal front grille flanked by LED projector head lamps while optional 19-inch alloy wheels with a two-toned, turbine motif provide added visual aggression. At the back, LED tail lamps, a rear spoiler and twin, bevel-cut chrome exhaust outlets complete the look.

Under the bonnet lie two powertrain options – a 2.0 litre Nu four-cylinder engine with 164 hp and 205 Nm of torque and a 1.6 litre, turbocharged Gamma engine pumping out 175 hp and 264 Nm. The 2.0 litre mill is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission while a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is mated to the 1.6 litre turbo’ed engine. All-wheel drive is offered as an option on both engine selections.

Said all-wheel drive system offers a driver-selectable AWD lock that enables a differentiated torque split between the front and rear axles. Also included is Active Cornering Control which works to direct torque to the wheels with the most traction under adverse conditions. Hill Start Assist and Downhill Brake Control are featured, as well – the latter works to assist drivers either on sharp inclines or declines.

NVH levels have been improved via the addition of larger engine mounts to better absorb vibrations, liberal use of sound insulating material on the inner fenders, underbody, transmission tunnel and all cabin pillars. Elsewhere, the Tucson also boasts better handling and ride comfort thanks to a stiffer chassis and the inclusion of a shock-absorber mounting structure which “employs a dual-reinforcing panel rear wheelhouse design.”

As for the improvements on the inside, Hyundai touts more premium materials being included with emphasis being placed on most contact points throughout the cabin. Optionally available is a full-length panoramic sunroof. Ventilated front seats and YES Essentials stain-resistant pews all round are a segment-first, according to Hyundai. A powered tailgate with an automatic opening function is also featured.

In-car entertainment gets taken care of via a standard five-inch touchscreen LCD display with reverse camera capabilities – Apple’s Siri ‘Eyes Free’ integration is an option. Opting for navigation will get you an eight-inch touchscreen setup with apps such as Pandora and Yelp integrated into the system. Audiophiles can choose an eight-speaker audio system that’s available as a cost option.

Also featured on the third-generation Hyundai Tucson is the firm’s latest Blue Link platform. Under this platform, an array of conveniences can be accessed, be it remote start/stop and locking/unlocking capabilities to roadside assistance accessibility and a stolen vehicle recovery system – accessible via Android Wear products. Three service packages are featured for the Blue Link platform – Connected Care, Remote Package and Guidance Package.

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

Hello everyone who is still living in dreamland … whether you like Japanese car or Korean car, in future all cars will be dual clutch. You know why?

1. Because the technology has become cheaper because almost all car manufacturers have adopted it now.

2. Only dual clutch offers the feel of driving a manual and the seamlessness of the CVT transmission without feeling detached -unlike CVT which detaches drivers from the feel of driving.

3. Dual clutch allows handling of more power, even at smaller capacities.

4. Dual clutch saves on fuel, due to the mechanics of the transmission.

5. Although there are cases of unreliability of dual clutch in VW and Ford cars, in the long term, it is the engineered to be able to be upgraded, unlike CVT or conventional auto transmission. Therefore, it would be the most reliable transmission, in the near future. That is why the new BMW M3 has gone dual cluthc and so has Porsche’s and even newer Honda’s and Toyota’s (upcoming models)

Korean car haters are junkish, bias against a product without even trying to analyze to see how good are the products or watch the acceptance levels of such products globally.
Their view is only through the Malaysian coconut shells.

Just 10 years earlier, hyundai would be expected to come out with designs that were sub-par at best but now it is becoming t norm to expect gorgeous proportionate and strong shapes n lines…well done. However i think t interior could have been more adventurous…reminds me of a dash from the t early 2000s hyundai model.

design has been your edge guys.. you dont have the brand loyalty or engineering pedigree that cars from other countries have to slack on design..this looks like a jacked up i30…

The germans(and to an extent Japanese and other conti makes) can do this because they have enough engineering pedigree and history and brand recognition to get away with it.. hyundai and Kia dont… they should lead in terms of bold design and take bigger risks to stand out as they are currently doing..because they are a couple of generations away from being ‘accepted’ for doing a ‘evolving’ design cycle..just imho

Hyundai Sime Darby should launch this model as CKD instead of the 2nd generation facelift model. Will have to wait for 2 yrs later for this model to be as CKD which is too long. Hyundai must speed up in setting up CKD models.

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